This document compares and contrasts narrative and expository text structures. Narrative texts tell a story using literary elements like characters, plot, theme, and setting, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Expository texts present facts using structures like an advance organizer, bold headings, definitions, and visuals to outline chapters and summarize key points. While narrative texts focus on storytelling, expository texts provide information through organized factual content.
1. A Comparison of Narrative and Expository Text
Lecture notes of Dr. Patsy Self
Narrative Text Expository Text
1. Story line or Essay 1. List of facts
2. Literature elements- characters, Expository elements-introduction,
plot, theme, setting, climax, bold headings, definitions, visuals
resolution, (graphs and pictures) Chapter
summary; Chapter Questions
3. Literature Structure: 2. Structure-
Instruction- introduces the story, Advance Organizer-outlines the
usually houses the theme, and setting chapter giving the student “notice” of
Body- Characters are developed what they will learn in the chapter
Plot developed Introduction-gives summary
Setting supported about the topic of the chapter
Climax Bold headings- Major Topic of
Conclusion- Resolution the paragraphs that follow;
Anticlimax definitions included; facts presented;
visuals for support
Summary- key points of all the
sections
Chapter Questions- questions
about facts, and critical thinking
questions, discussion questions
4. Essay-
Introduction- Inrtroductory
sentences that introduces the thesis;
Thesis is usually housed here;
Outline of the essay is usually
presented here; Purpose is usually
given here
Body-Transitional Sentences;
Topic Sentence; Major Supporting
Details; Minor Supporting Details;
Examples;
Conclusion- summarizes what
was said; offers suggestions about
the topic discussed; gives predictions
about the topic discussed; asks for
action about the topic discussed